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Happenstance philippines drama review
Completed
Happenstance
1 people found this review helpful
by Jjthurain
Apr 16, 2021
9 of 9 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Once in a Lifetime Love Affair

Happenstance is truly a one of a kind production.  It shows two different worlds in two different time periods.  It is an irony in itself, also showing the same weakness and vulnerability people from both periods suffer from.

The plot is interesting as it implored idea of multiverse.  The story managed to compare and contrast the two different periods in the Philippine history both in politics and in sexual and gender identity.  It is philosophical at one point and just outright funny at another point.

The series is in fact very poignant. Their lines feel like poetry to the ears. And all those titles at the end of each episode is just brilliant.  All those complex human feelings about love and longing are all experienced and represented by words from different languages around the world. 

Like the word 'Mamihlapinatapei' (Ep 5) from the Yagan language in Chile.  It refers to the look shared by two people with each wishing that the other will initiate something that neither one wants to start.  Like the Japanese idiom 'Ichigo Ichie' (Ep 8) which describes a cultural concept of treasuring the unrepeatable nature of a moment.

Cinematography is great; with the tone and the camera angles adding more drama to the series (poetry) itself. The inclusion of the local myth is somehow cliche but on the other hand, it is good to know that such stories exist in this part of the world.

Although I have to admit that the last few episodes lack something, overall I still consider this series a great work of art.  I am sure I am going to watch this again soon.

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